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See and hear Shakespeare in a new light when the Library marks the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s death in 2016. The Mount Prospect Library Foundation brings The Shakespeare Project of Chicago to Mount Prospect by sponsoring three plays: The Winter’s Tale on January 19; Cymbeline on March 1; and Cardenio on April 19.

The Shakespeare Project will present theatrical readings of these works. As there are no sets, props, or costumes, you may find that these productions are the best way to experience Shakespeare’s words. At 7 p.m. the pre-show introduction begins. Following the play is a post-show discussion and opportunity to interact with the actors and creative team, which will further enrich your experience.

This program is sponsored by the Mount Prospect Public Library Foundation, which raises funds for special programming and events.

The Winter’s Tale

January 19

Shakespeare’s romance not only contains the playwright’s most famous stage direction (“Exit, pursued by a bear”) but a story that goes to the deepest side of tragedy before finding its triumphant redemption. A Sicilian king becomes consumed by the belief that his best friend has committed adultery with his wife, and this passionate jealousy ignites a series of events that takes us on an adventure in which we witness several miracles. This beautiful play may have you believing “What’s gone and what’s past help should be past grief.” Associate Artistic Director Barbara Zahora directs.

Cymbeline

March 1

“How hard it is to hide the sparks of nature!”

Filled with intrigue and romance, Shakespeare’s Cymbeline features an evil queen, an innocent young princess, an upstanding young man, a conniving villain, and the titular king in the fantastical world of this twist-filled tale. Jeff Christian directs.

Cardenio

April 19

It’s Anselmo’s big wedding day, but he’s having second thoughts: Will his betrothed remain faithful to him? To put his new wife to the test, he asks his best man to try to seduce her. Join the wedding guests for a celebration like none you’ve ever witnessed in this delightful modern adaptation based on William Shakespeare and John Fletcher’s long-lost play, Cardenio. Peter Garino directs a cast of Shakespeare Project favorites in this special adaptation by Stephen Greenblatt and Charles Mee.

Book Crossing is an international, intergenerational reading program for all ages. We work with our Sister City, Sèvres, France, to select books by both American and French authors translated into English.

Stop by the book displays on each floor to discover the books chosen this year and pick up one of the selections—there’s something for everyone!

Watch the Library’s Facebook page for Book Crossing updates or to join the discussion. Visit the Book Crossing web page to get details on the books and to read about related programs.

Book Crossing is an international, intergenerational reading program for all ages. We work with our Sister City, Sèvres, France, to select books by both American and French authors translated into English.

Stop by the book displays on each floor to discover the books chosen this year and pick up one of the selections—there’s something for everyone!

Watch the Library’s Facebook page for Book Crossing updates or to join the discussion. Visit the Book Crossing web page to get details on the books and to read about related programs.

Magic is always in the air when you surround yourself with good stories. This summer, we invite you to discover the magic in books and movies during our Summer Reading program. All ages are invited to the Library and the South Branch to pick up a reading log and keep reading through July to earn prizes. Looking for an enchanting read? Let our knowledgeable staff conjure up a good fit for your reading and watching tastes.

The librarians of Mount Prospect and its Sister City, Sèvres, France, work cooperatively to create Book Crossing, an international, intergenerational reading program. The books selected for discussion, written by French and American authors, seek to spark a dialogue among different age groups, and to offer many ways to participate—with no need to speak French! Mount Prospect and Sèvres residents young and old are invited to read the books and then participate in both traditional and online discussions.